Interface Device for Controlled Electrical Charge Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable battery-supplied electrical/electronic devices face limitations due to battery charge levels, and existing recharging solutions are inadequate for scenarios without access to power outlets or battery chargers, particularly in areas where electrical sockets are not available.

Innovation Solution

An interface device that enables the transfer of electrical charge between two battery-supplied devices, utilizing a driving circuit and electronic control unit to facilitate controlled energy transfer via a predetermined authorization signal, allowing for recharging in various locations and ensuring secure energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional battery charging methods are used, then devices can be recharged reliably, but recharging is only possible in locations with electrical sockets or battery chargers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecharging location flexibilityVSAvoidcharging availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an interface device as an intermediary between two battery-supplied devices, enabling direct charge transfer. This mediator device includes control circuitry that manages the charging process, allowing a device with higher charge to act as a portable charging station for another device, thereby eliminating the need for traditional power outlets while maintaining reliable charging through controlled energy transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If direct battery-to-battery connection is made, then recharging flexibility is improved, but unauthorized energy theft cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging location flexibilityVSAvoidunauthorized energy transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device incorporates control circuitry that provides feedback mechanisms to monitor and manage charge transfer. The system detects charge levels, transfer rates, and authorization status, then adjusts the charging process accordingly. This feedback loop prevents unauthorized energy theft by requiring authentication and continuously monitoring the transfer process to ensure it remains within authorized parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of the charging process through the interface device. The system can adjust charging parameters in real-time based on device states, authorization status, and energy transfer conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to enable or disable charging connections as needed, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining flexibility for legitimate charging scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If battery charge is transferred between devices, then recharging without power outlets is enabled, but control over energy transfer is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging location flexibilityVSAvoidenergy transfer control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface device enables self-service charging by allowing devices to autonomously manage their own charging needs. The control circuitry automatically detects when a charging connection is made, verifies authorization, and initiates the charge transfer process without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while providing robust control over energy transfer through automated monitoring and management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables recharging of electrical/electronic devices in diverse locations, including areas without power outlets, while ensuring controlled and authorized energy transfer, thereby enhancing mobility and accessibility of electrical energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

a driving circuit (45) interposed between the input electrical port (30) and the output electrical port (35, 40), said driving circuit (45) being operable between a first configuration in which it electrically connects the input electrical port (30) and the output electrical port (35, 40), and a second configuration in which it electrically disconnects the input electrical port (30) and the output electrical port (35, 40)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4170858A1Interface device for transferring electrical charge
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 REINOVA SPA
  • EP4170858A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4170858A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4170858A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An interface device (25) for transferring electrical charge is described, comprising: - an input electrical port (30) adapted to be electrically connected to a supply battery (B1) of an electrical/electronic source device (15), - an output electrical port adapted to be electrically connected to a supply battery (B2) of an electrical/electronic receiving device (20), - a driving circuit (45) interposed between the input electrical port (30) and the output electrical port, the driving circuit (45) being operable between a first configuration in which it electrically connects the input electrical port (30) and the output electrical port, and a second configuration in which it electrically disconnects the input electrical port (30) and the output electrical port (35,40), - an electronic control and command unit (65) operatively connected to the driving circuit (45), said electronic control and command unit (65) being configured to operate the driving circuit (45) in the first configuration so as to transmit electrical charge from the electrical/electronic source device (15) to the electrical/electronic receiving device (20) following the reception of a preset/predetermined authorisation signal.